Mich. police release photo in fatal hit-and-run of off-duty deputy

Gus Burns
MLive.com, Walker, Mich.

Westland police have located surveillance footage that shows a small, black SUV suspected of striking and killing an off-duty Wayne County sheriff's Sgt. Lee Smith, who was jogging in Westland about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14.

The driver then fled the scene and is being sought by police.

Smith was jogging along Hines Road between Inkster and Merriweather in Westland near his home. Police located footage of a black Buick Enclave with front-end damage, chrome rims, handles and a luggage rack, that they believe may be involved.

The SUV was spotted in the area shortly after the collision and had suffered damage to the hood.

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon says Smith, a 26-year veteran of the department and the father of one adult son, had a "storied" career with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. He worked with the Special Response Team in the past and was assigned to the Mounted Patrol Unit at the time of his death.

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash "is a very serious felony, obviously," Napoleon said. "We have no reason at this point to believe that it is anything but a tragic accident."

He urged the suspect to turn himself or herself over to police.

A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the culprit. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers, 800-SPEAK-UP, or Westland police, 734-467-7912. Tipsters may remain anonymous. 

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans called Smith an "inspiration to all who knew him."

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